Railway Engine drivers have decided not to pass level crossings and Railway Stations which lack auto-electrical signals until they are installed.

The decision was taken after the General Manager of Railways interdicted five workers in connection with the Pothuhera train accident.

The Engine Drivers Association stated that services on the Northern Line as well as the Upcountry line will be delayed due to trade union action in the future.

Following the conclusion of a discussion over the Pothuhera accident, Engine Drivers Association’s General Secretary K.A.U. Konthasinghe announced they’re decision.

He also said that it is suspicious as to why authorities failed to release the report of a committee appointed to probe another accident that took place at the Alawwa Railway Station.

Meanwhile the committee appointed to probe the Pothuhera accident held their first meeting this morning.

Committee Chairman and Deputy Railway Transport Superintendent Gamini Seneviratne said that the engine driver, his assistant and the main guard of the Deyata Kirula Intercity Express along with the Pothuhera Railway Station master and his signalman appeared before the committee today.

In addition, the engine driver of the Rajarata Rajina and several workers of the train also gave evidence before the committee.

Meanwhile the Railway Department is to pay each victim per of the Pothuhera train accident a compensation of 25 thousand rupees.

Railway Commercial Superintendent Sisira Kumara said that the department will pay compensation to 70 injured passengers and payment has already been made to ten victims.